Mastering the Art of Sushi at Adare Manor

At Adare Manor, culinary excellence is not simply an offering, but an experience shaped by craftsmanship, provenance, and story.

A refined addition to the culinary landscape of Adare Manor, Ōku has recently opened as an intimate dining space dedicated to Japanese cuisine, offering sushi, nigiri and sashimi, amongst many other delicacies. It is defined by precision, seasonality, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Chef Jan Vincent Amo’s path to becoming a master sushi chef began on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. Surrounded by the rhythm of coastal life, he developed an early appreciation for fresh seafood and the skill required to prepare it.

Later, his professional journey led him to the Middle East, where he trained under renowned sushi masters Chef Zuzumo and Chef Keita Sato.

Here, sushi transformed from admiration into rigorous discipline. Over seven years working as an itamae (sushi chef), he immersed himself in the traditions and techniques that define authentic Japanese sushi.

“It taught me patience above all else,” Chef Amo reflects. “You learn quickly that technique is nothing without respect for what’s in front of you.”

This period of intensive training shaped his philosophy, grounded in precision, humility, and continuous refinement.

Chef Amo’s cuisine is defined not by spectacle, but by intention. At Ōku at Adare Manor, guests are invited to experience sushi not only as cuisine, but as a story of discipline, heritage, and quiet mastery.

• Exceptional sourcing of the freshest ingredients from Ireland and Europe
• Strong relationships with trusted suppliers
• Responsible sourcing when local ingredients are not accessible

• Skillful seafood handling, in particular, whole fish fabrication
• Focus on precision and respect for raw ingredients
• Techniques designed to elevate natural flavour

• Menus guided by seasonality
• Flavour profiles shaped by peak quality ingredients
• Amalgamation of authentic Japanese flavours and the richness of Ireland’s natural bounty

For Chef Amo, exceptional sushi begins long before it reaches the plate. It starts with integrity of sourcing, preparation, and intention.

Complementing the sushi offering at Ōku is a curated journey into Japan’s most iconic beverage: sake.

Designed to deepen guest understanding and appreciation, the Ōku Sake Experience introduces two distinctive tasting journeys: The Brewer’s Table Experience and The Toji Experience. 

Sake is Japan’s iconic fermented rice beverage, crafted from polished rice, pure water, yeast, and koji mould. Unlike wine, its brewing process converts rice starch into sugar before fermentation, resulting in a uniquely layered and elegant drink.

Depending on its style, sake may be:

• Light and floral
• Rich and umami-driven
• Crisp and refreshing or deep and complex

It is typically enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed, each method revealing different nuances.

• Junmai – Pure rice sake with full body and savoury depth
• Ginjo – Fragrant, fruity, and silky in texture
• Daiginjo – Highly polished, refined, and aromatic
• Honjozo – Light and smooth with enhanced clarity
• Nigori – Cloudy, creamy, and softly sweet
• Sparkling Sake – Bright, effervescent, and refreshing
• Koshu (Aged Sake) – Rich, complex, with nutty and caramel notes

For guests seeking an elevated dining experience in Ireland, Ōku offers a rare combination of Japanese cuisine with an Irish influence, including an extensive sake collection and world-class sushi.

Discover precision, provenance, and storytelling in every detail at Adare Manor.